Same-sex ceremony to be part of Norwegian Getaway cruise

Cruise Planners/American Express said it is organizing a themed cruise aboard Norwegian Getaway next year that will include a mass commitment ceremony for same-sex couples in St. Thomas.

The "Sea of Love" cruise will occur Sept. 27 to Oct. 4, 2014, and will visit Nassau and St. Maarten, with the ceremony scheduled for Oct. 1 in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Cruise Planners CEO Michelle Fee said her agency network has offered same-sex commitment ceremonies since it started a wedding program last year. Fee said recognition of same-sex marriage has reached a historic turning point, leading to increased demand.

"We decided to kick it up a notch by doing this once-in-a-lifetime event. Couples can become part of history with a mass commitment,” she said.

Sea of Love cruisers and their guests will enjoy exclusive parties and events, Cruise Planners said, including a post-ceremony reception that includes a buffet, open bar, party costumes, champagne toast, a steel pan band and a photographer.